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The Toyota iQ is now available with a larger 98bhp 1.33 Dual VVT-i engine with Toyota Optimal Drive.
However even with a Stop & Start system, this results in the iQ3 (iQ cubed) now emitting 113g/km of CO2 compared to the 99g/km of the 1 litre model (and 65.7mpg).
These figures, which equate to 58.9mpg, are for the manual. The option of the Multidrive CVT transmission means that the iQ3 emissions increase to 120g/km and the fuel consumption drops to 55.4mpg – the same as a BMW 520d.
The benefit of the larger engine is that it can manage 106mph and 0-60mph in 11.8 seconds. This is considerably better performance than the 1.0 litre version which can only manage 93 mph and 0-62mph in 14.7 seconds. The iQ is designed to be capable both in cities and on the motorway, and this larger-engined version aims to behave even more like a grown up car when out on the open road.
Matched to a compact, lightweight six-speed manual gearbox, the engine features Toyota’s Stop & Start system. This automatically cuts the engine when the car comes to a stop and the gear stick is moved to neutral; when a gear is selected, the engine restarts quickly, in just 0.4 seconds, thanks to the use of a permanently engaged gear mechanism. In urban driving Stop & Start can provide fuel consumption savings of up to 15 per cent.
One of the key elements of the 1.33-litre engine is its piston design. Smaller and lighter than on the previous 1.3 unit, they are designed with a smaller contact area and use carbon ceramide, an advanced material more commonly used in Formula One engineering, to reduce friction.
Standard equipment on the iQ includes automatic headlights and wipers, climate control, electric folding and heated door mirrors, Smart Entry and Start, auto-dimming rear view mirror, six-speaker sound system, front fog lights and a leather trimmed steering wheel. Nine airbags are fitted, including the world’s first rear window airbag, and the active safety package includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRC).
The iQ3 has extra equipment such as larger, 16-inch dual five-spoke alloy wheels.
The iQ3 is on sale now for £11,495 for the six-speed manual version and £12,495 with Multidrive.
